Absorbent Paper Global Market Report 2026

Absorbent paper, crafted specifically to soak up and hold liquids, comprises cellulose fibers arranged in a porous structure. Its primary function is to efficiently absorb various fluids such as water, oil, and similar substances, boasting traits of high absorbency, wet strength, and rapid drying.

In the absorbent paper market, key categories include cotton absorbent paper, pure wood pulp absorbent paper, and other variants. Cotton absorbent paper, primarily composed of cotton fibers renowned for their absorbent quality and softness, serves specialized purposes. Its applications span across diverse sectors such as packaging, personal care, home care, medical, food and beverage, among others, including products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and absorbent masks.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the absorbent paper market by increasing costs of imported pulp, specialty fibers, chemicals, and processing equipment. Packaging, medical, and personal care sectors in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported raw materials, while Asia-Pacific faces cost pressure on pulp exports. These tariffs are raising production costs and affecting pricing strategies. However, they are also encouraging local pulp sourcing, recycled fiber utilization, and investment in domestic paper manufacturing capacity.

The absorbent paper market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides absorbent paper market statistics, including absorbent paper industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a absorbent paper market share, detailed absorbent paper market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the absorbent paper industry. This absorbent paper market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The absorbent paper market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $169.5 billion in 2025 to $183.76 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of hygiene and personal care industries, rising demand for disposable absorbent products, availability of cellulose-based raw materials, growth in medical consumables usage, increasing food packaging applications.

The absorbent paper market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $245.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, rising focus on biodegradable absorbent materials, expansion of healthcare and hygiene markets, increasing regulatory emphasis on eco-friendly paper products, innovation in fiber processing technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for eco-friendly absorbent paper, rising use of recycled and alternative fibers, growing adoption in medical and hygiene applications, expansion of high-absorbency product variants, enhanced focus on wet strength performance.

The rising demand for hygiene products is expected to drive the expansion of the absorbent paper market. Hygiene products include items such as toothpaste, deodorants, laundry detergents, medical gloves and gowns, and hand hygiene products, all designed to maintain cleanliness, prevent the spread of germs and diseases, and support personal or environmental hygiene. The demand for hygiene products is growing due to increased awareness of cleanliness and hygiene, along with rising concerns for disease prevention and public health, prompting consumers to prioritize purchasing and using such items. Absorbent paper is incorporated into various hygiene products because of its ability to absorb moisture efficiently, improve cleanliness, and offer convenience. For example, in April 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a US federal government agency, the number of home health and personal care aide employees rose from 3,504,230 in May 2022 to 3,689,350 in May 2023, marking an increase of 185,120 workers. Thus, the growing demand for hygiene products is fueling the expansion of the absorbent paper market.

Major companies in the absorbent paper market are innovating with products such as kitchen napkins. Also referred to as paper napkins or serviettes, kitchen napkins are disposable absorbent paper products used in kitchens and dining areas to maintain cleanliness during food preparation and consumption. For instance, in April 2024, the US-based Scott Paper Company introduced the Calorie Absorber Pro, a state-of-the-art paper kitchen towel equipped with advanced absorption technology. This innovative product effectively absorbs excess oil and grease from food, thereby reducing the calorie content of meals. Crafted from ultra-durable, high-absorbency paper, the Calorie Absorber Pro ensures reliability during heavy-duty kitchen tasks, boasting a unique texture that maximizes surface-area contact for efficient absorption.

In May 2024, APRIL Group, a Singapore-based paper products manufacturer, acquired Origami for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows APRIL Group to expand its market presence by broadening its product portfolio and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. By integrating Origami's expertise, APRIL Group aims to strengthen its range of sustainable paper products and meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the global paper industry. Origami is an India-based company known for manufacturing absorbent paper products such as tissue paper.

Major companies operating in the absorbent paper market are International Paper Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Stora Enso Oyj, Metsa Group, Unicharm Corporation, Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A., Domtar Corporation, Resolute Forest Products Inc., Cascades Inc., Sofidel Group, Hokuetsu Corporation, Clearwater Paper Corporation, Glatfelter Corporation, Kruger Inc., Koehler Paper Group, Neenah Inc., Mondi Group, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Keryas Paper Industry, Dr. Papel, PG Paper Company Ltd., PRAK Group of Companies, Envoy Solution

North America was the largest region in the absorbent paper market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the absorbent paper market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the absorbent paper market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The absorbent paper market consists of sales of paper towels, surgical drapes, industrial absorbent pads, toilet paper, and food packaging liners. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Absorbent Paper Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses absorbent paper market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for absorbent paper ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The absorbent paper market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Cotton Absorbent Paper; Pure Wood Pulp Absorbent Paper; Other Types
• 2) By Application: Diaper; Sanitary Napkin; Other Applications
• 3) By End-User: Packaging; Personal Care And Home Care; Medical; Food And Beverage; Other End-Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Cotton Absorbent Paper: Medical Grade Cotton Paper; Industrial Cotton Paper
• 2) By Pure Wood Pulp Absorbent Paper: Bleached Wood Pulp Paper; Unbleached Wood Pulp Paper
• 3) By Other Types: Bamboo Absorbent Paper; Hemp Absorbent Paper
• Companies Mentioned: International Paper Company; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Smurfit Kappa Group; Stora Enso Oyj; Metsa Group; Unicharm Corporation; Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A.; Domtar Corporation; Resolute Forest Products Inc.; Cascades Inc.; Sofidel Group; Hokuetsu Corporation; Clearwater Paper Corporation; Glatfelter Corporation; Kruger Inc.; Koehler Paper Group; Neenah Inc.; Mondi Group; Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.; Ahlstrom-Munksjo; Keryas Paper Industry; Dr. Papel; PG Paper Company Ltd.; PRAK Group of Companies; Envoy Solution
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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